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89 result(s) found, displaying 81 to 89

  • Affordability

    Key points

    • The process of buying, renovating or building a home provides opportunities to improve affordability.
    • It is important to recognise that affordability is not just about the upfront cost of the home, but how much it will cost to run and maintain over the long term.

  • Condensation

    Key points

    • Condensation occurs when humid air meets a cooler surface.
    • Condensation in your home can cause damp, mould and rot.
    • The risk of condensation in your home depends on your climate, how your home is built and how you use your home.

  • Mud brick

    Key points

    • Mud bricks are one of the oldest building materials in the world.
    • Mud bricks usually only require earth and the energy of the sun, so have very low embodied energy and environmental impact.
    • A mud brick is made by mixing earth with water and fillers such as straw, placing it in a mould, and waiting for it to dry.

  • Hemp masonry

    Key points

    • Hemp masonry is made of the woody part of the stem of a hemp plant, combined with lime binder, water, and sometimes sand.
    • Hemp masonry has good thermal performance, and is a breathable material that reduces condensation and improves internal air quality.

  • Lightweight framing

    Key points

    • Lightweight framing using timber or steel is the most common form of framing used in Australian homes.
    • Lightweight framing can be easily adapted to suit the site. It can also be combined with a wide range of cladding options to suit your climate, site and design.

  • Preliminary Research

    Key points

    • Before you buy, renovate or build a home, you should consider your needs and how you can achieve long-term comfort and energy efficiency.
    • Your research and decision making will influence how well your home suits your lifestyle, how cost effective it is to run, and how sustainable it is over the longer term.

  • Straw bale

    Key points

    • Straw bales were first used for building soon after the invention of baling machines over a century ago.
    • With straw bale construction, bales are usually attached to a frame and laid like giant bricks. Bales are compressed to minimise settlement and movement.

  • Brickwork and blockwork

    Key points

    • Brickwork and blockwork are the most common materials used for residential buildings.
    • Brick and blockwork are materials used in masonry construction, which also include concrete, stone, manufactured stone, timbercrete and glass.